The American Petroleum Institute's authorized piping inspectors must have a broad knowledge base relating to maintenance, inspection, alteration and repair of in-service metallic piping systems. The API Piping Inspector Certification examination is designed to determine if applicants have such knowledge

The program benefits employers and the industry as a whole by helping to:

provide a continued high level of safety through the use of inspectors specialized in process piping

reduce the potential for inspection delays resulting from regulatory requirements

API 570 certification is valid for a three-year term.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

As outlined in the Appendix A of the API 570 Standards, the qualification requirements for API 570 applicants are based on the combination of education and experience related to piping. This experience must have been acquired within the last 10 years while employed by, or under contract with, an authorized inspection agency as defined in API 570.

Prior to submitting an application, please use the table below to determine if you qualify to take the API 570 exam.

Education

Minimum Years of Experience Required

Description of Experience Required

BS or higher in engineering or technology

1 year

Supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 570.

2-year degree or certificate in engineering or technology

2 years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 570.

High school diploma or equivalent

3 years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 570.

None

5 or more years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 570.

API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Program

Minimum Qualification Requirements

As outlined in the Appendix B of the API 510 Standards, the qualification requirements for API 510 applicants are based on the combination of education and experience related to pressure vessels. This experience must have been acquired within the last 10 years while employed by, or under contract with, an authorized inspection agency as defined in API 510.

Based on the 10th edition of API-510, a National Board certification is no longer accepted as a substitution for passing the API-510 exam.

Prior to submitting an application, please use the table below to determine if you qualify to take the API 510 exam.

Education

Minimum Years of Experience Required

Description of Experience Required

BS or higher in engineering or technology

1 year

Supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510.

2-year degree or certificate in engineering or technology

2 years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510.

High school diploma or equivalent

3 years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510.

None

5 or more years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510.